Smithsonian Institution Archives

Special Services Records, 1964-1969

Summary

(Electronic Resource)

Includes image of the 40 foot jet black stabile by Alexander Calder, to be erected in a pool on the 14th Street side of the Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History. The sculpture was a gift of Mrs. Gwendolyn Cafritz. 1968. (Image no. 94-8300)
Collection ID:
SIA.FARU0320
Creators:
National Collection of Fine Arts. Office of the Director
Dates:
1964-1969
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
5.29 cu. ft. (4 record storage boxes) (3 12x17 boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Descriptive Entry
Descriptive Entry
These records consist of memoranda and correspondence pertaining to the various programs carried out by Special Services; NCFA art collection material; exhibition material; lecture materials; budget; reports; staff biographies; newspaper clippings; magazine articles; radio and television material; tour information; and information on the White House Fellow's Seminar.
Historical Note
Historical Note
During David W. Scott's 1965-1968 tenure as director of the National Collection of Fine Arts (NCFA), the public affairs program for the Museum emanated from the director's office under the supervision of Special Services. This division began its operations in FY 1966 when John Latham was appointed assistant for Special Services. When Latham resigned in May 1967, Jane Marsh became acting assistant until FY 1968, when Mary Nell Sherman took over the duties of assistant for Special Services. Benjamin Ruhe, a staff member from the Smithsonian's Office of Public Affairs, took on the responsibilities of the public relations section of Special Services in 1967.
The programs supervised by Special Services included programming various exhibition openings; conducting private tours for distinguished visitors; programming special lecture series and symposiums; arranging congressional and ambassadorial teas; preparing press kits; maintaining magazine and newspaper contacts; and preparing the NCFA monthly calendar. Special Services was also responsible for the rotating art exhibitions held in the White House and the Executive Office Building, and the White House Fellow's Seminars on American art. During 1967 the division established a docent program and began a community relations program with local businesses and schools in the Washington, D.C., area for the NCFA opening in the Fine Arts and Portrait Gallery Building.
Administration
Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives
Using the Collection
Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 320, National Collection of Fine Arts. Office of the Director, Special Services Records
More Information
Notes
SI Records
Keywords
Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Scott, David W., 1916- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Latham, John, 1921-2006 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Morse, Jane Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sherman, Mary Nell Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ruhe, Benjamin, 1928- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
White House Fellows' Seminar on American Art Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
White House (Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Executive Office Building (Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Patent Office Building (Washington, D.C.). Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Art museums Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museum directors Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museums -- Administration Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museums -- Educational aspects Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museum exhibits Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Lectures and lecturing Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Clippings Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Repository Contact
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu